Turkmenistan has reportedly reduced its electricity supply to Afghanistan, putting additional pressure on the Taliban authorities while ordinary Afghans face prolonged power outages during the summer heat.
Reports indicate that around 60 percent of Afghanistan’s electricity needs are supplied by Turkmenistan, making the country a major source of imported power for Afghanistan. Any significant disruption can therefore have a direct impact on households, businesses and essential services.
According to reports, Ashgabat has reduced or cut electricity supplies in an effort to pressure the Taliban to take stronger action against terrorist groups operating in or from Afghan territory. The move reflects wider security concerns among Afghanistan’s neighbors about militant activity and its potential regional consequences.
However, the impact of the reported reduction in electricity supplies is being felt most directly by ordinary Afghans. With temperatures rising during the summer, extended power outages are creating additional difficulties for families, businesses and public facilities.
Power shortages can also affect hospitals, water systems, communications and other essential services that depend on reliable electricity. For households already facing economic difficulties, prolonged outages can further increase daily hardship.
Afghanistan has long relied heavily on electricity imports from neighboring countries, including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Iran. This dependence makes the country vulnerable to disruptions caused by technical, financial or political issues.
If the reported reduction continues, pressure could increase on the Taliban authorities to address both security concerns raised by neighboring countries and Afghanistan’s vulnerability to external electricity supplies.